California Elderberry

Honeybees are attracted to elderberry's creamy white flower clusters for their plentiful nectar and pollen, supporting colony nutrition during summer dearth periods. Peak bloom typically spans late spring to mid-summer, with flowers appearing in large, flat-topped inflorescences. The shrub grows vigorously and may require pruning after fruiting to maintain form and encourage new growth; it tolerates moist soils but can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.